TheElder Scrolls 5: Skyrimplayers focusing on the two-handed weapons skill tree often need to make quick use of destruction magic. Whether it’s to kill a distant enemy or to hit multiple targets at once, the range of physical attacks in the game full of magical spells can appear repulsive to some players.
RELATED:Skyrim: Everything You Need To Know About Enchanting
However, among the wide range of greatswords available in Skyrim, one contains an incredible enchantment that can solve this problem. Introduced as a throwback to the “bloodskal”, a one-weapon inThe Elders Scrolls 3: Bloodmoon,the Dragonborn DLC features the Bloodskal blade that can shoot out red energy blasts with every heavy swing and can even hit enemies at moderate distances. This makes it a necessity for players looking to play as an arcane-focused warrior.
Bloodskal Blade - Location
There are only two prerequisites to reaching the Bloodskal Blade. The player must complete the first meeting with theGreybeards quest at High Hrothgarand must have the Dragonborn DLC installed.
If one already has the anniversary edition or even the special edition, they are already good to go. However, mid-game level draugr may hinder the journey to the Bloodskal Blade. Hence, a player level of around 20 is recommended, but not necessary.
To start off, players must visit the oldest city in all of Skyrim, Windhelm. The quickest route for new players would be to find carriages outside major cities. Head over to the docks to find Gjalund Salt-Sage, a sailor occupied in fixing his ship’s mast. Players must also have 250 gold ready as a one-time fee for passage tothe island of Solstheim. After arriving at Raven Rock, the first town near the docks, one needs to head northwest. After a gradual climb, the Raven Rock Mine can be spotted.
RELATED:Skyrim: Every Named Draugr & Their Stories
Inside the mine, a couple can be seen quarreling due to a difference in views regarding the very safety of the Raven Rock mine. Upon talking to Crescius Caerellius, the Dragonborn is given a key, which opens the mine doors. This starts the “The Final Descent” quest, but completing the quest is absolutely not essential for receiving the weapon.
The mines underneath Raven Rock are infested with spiders, and the dungeon goes deeper into aNordic Ruin filled with draugr. After dealing with several adversaries, players reach the end of the dungeon, which is called, the Bloodskal Barrow. Here lies an interesting door with slits that radiate red energy, and in front of it, lies the lifeless skeleton of Gratian Caerellius. Players can now receive the Bloodskal Blade by searching his skeleton and taking it away from him. For players who want to learn more about the lore surrounding the Bloodskal blade, reading Gratian’s journal can provide quick context.
•Range: 15 feet
RELATED:Skyrim: Devastating Poisons & How To Make Them
As one of the unique greatswords in the game, the Bloodskal Blade can release red energy blasts which cause 30 damage to multiple enemies under 15 feet of distance. This solves the constant need for switching to one’s ranged attack style. The weapon is also amazing while trying to level upthe two-handed skill treeas the ranged energy impacts count as hits and essentially double XP gains. The enchantment does not require any maintenance since it does not even require soul gems to operate.
The energy blasts can be used vertically or horizontally according to the directional usage of power attacks. However, followers cannot use the ranged attacks akin to the Dragonborn while on horseback. Moreover, Horizontal energy blasts should be used cautiously to avoid stray hits to random NPCs and an undeserving bounty.
Energy attacks generated by the Bloodskal Blade also have the added advantage of passing through walls, which opens up lots of offensive possibilities for the Dragonborn. However, upgrading this greatsword requires the Arcane Blacksmith perk while receiving no buffs from previously unlocked smithing perks. This means thata smithing level of 100is required to push the limits of this weapon to the very extent.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
